🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

208 Series

Common Chassis Codes:

W208

Product Name:

Mercedes 208 Service Repair Manual

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Executive Coupe and Convertible

Target Audience:

Owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops, automotive enthusiasts.

Competitors:

BMW 3 Series (E36/E46), Audi A4 Cabriolet, Saab 900/9-3 Convertible, Volvo C70.

Design Philosophy:

Sporty and elegant styling with Mercedes-Benz build quality and engineering.

Platform:

Based on the W202 C-Class platform.

📋 Manual Details

General Coverage:

Technical details, service, and repair information for the Mercedes-Benz W208 chassis.

Estimated Pages:

Varies by specific edition, typically 1000+ pages for a comprehensive service manual.

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English (primary assumed, often includes multiple languages in official publications)

Format:

Downloadable PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Engine mechanical, engine management, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, emissions control.

Transmission:

Automatic transmission (e.g., 722.6 '5G-TRONIC') service, repair, and diagnostics; manual transmission (less common) may also be covered.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (FWD) or Rear-wheel drive (RWD) systems, differential, drive shafts, axles.

Brakes:

Hydraulic brake system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ESP (Electronic Stability Program), brake pad/rotor replacement, caliper service, hydraulic component troubleshooting.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, struts, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, springs, wheel alignment procedures.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack/gearbox, tie rods, steering column, alignment.

Electrical:

Complete vehicle electrical system, battery, charging system, starter, lighting, power windows, locks, mirrors, climate control electronics, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) / Airbag system.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant handling, compressor, evaporator, condenser, climate control module.

Body:

Body panel repair, door mechanisms, interior trim removal, glass replacement, seals, latches.

Chassis:

Frame structure, subframes, unibody construction details.

Diagnostic Tools:

Information on Mercedes-Benz proprietary diagnostic tools (e.g., STAR Diagnosis) and common OBD-II diagnostic procedures.

Preventative Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid flushes, belt inspection/replacement, spark plug service, brake fluid replacement, coolant replacement, differential fluid changes.

Troubleshooting:

System-specific diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation.

Repair:

Step-by-step repair procedures for all major mechanical and electrical components, including engine teardown, transmission rebuild, brake caliper overhaul, suspension component replacement, electrical harness repair.

Component Replacement:

Detailed instructions for replacing parts such as alternators, starter motors, fuel pumps, radiators, water pumps, ignition coils, sensors, ECUs, body control modules.

Specifications Data:

Torque specifications for critical fasteners, engine build clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values, diagnostic parameters.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical wiring schematics for all vehicle systems, including component locations and connector pinouts.

Body And Interior:

Front and rear bumper removal/installation, door panel trim, seat removal, headliner, dashboard removal, convertible top mechanism service (if applicable), sound deadening.

Paint And Bodywork:

Information on panel alignment, collision repair guidelines, sealant application, potentially paint code information.

Depth:

Expert-level, covering from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, and in-depth electrical system diagnostics.

Type Description:

A comprehensive factory-authorized or highly regarded aftermarket service and repair manual, providing detailed procedures, specifications, and diagnostic information for professional technicians and skilled DIY enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Typically text-searchable for efficient information retrieval.

Compatibility:

Compatible with standard PDF readers (Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader, etc.).

Resolution:

High resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Format)

Completeness:

Comprehensive, intended to be a complete guide for service and repair.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Examples:

M111 (2.0L/2.3L), M112 (2.4L V6, 2.6L V6, 2.8L V6, 3.2L V6), M113 (4.3L V8).

200 Kompressor (M111.941):

1.8L Inline-4 Supercharged, ~180-192 hp

230 Kompressor (M111.973):

2.3L Inline-4 Supercharged, ~194 hp

Cl 55 Amg (V8 - W215, Often Cited In Context But W208 Is Clk):

N/A for W208 CLK model.

Clk 320 (M112.941):

3.2L V6, ~215-224 hp

Clk 430 (M113.973):

4.3L V8, ~275-302 hp

Clk 55 Amg (M113.987):

5.4L V8, ~340-367 hp

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point fuel injection (Bosch Motronic variants or similar), electronic throttle control.

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane recommended)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission Type:

5-speed automatic (722.6 '5G-TRONIC') is most common across the range.

Optional Transmission Type:

Manual transmissions were available in some markets and base models (e.g., 5-speed manual for M111 engines), but less prevalent.

Automatic Features:

Driver-adaptive shift points, Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes, later models may have Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) functionality.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

MB 236.10, MB 236.12, or MB 236.14 approved fluids (e.g., Pentosin ATF1, Mobil ATF 134). Always verify specific model requirement.

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

2-door Coupe (C208), 2-door Convertible (A208).

Length:

Approx. 4488 mm (176.7 in)

Width:

Approx. 1722 mm (67.8 in)

Height:

Approx. 1372 mm (54.0 in) for Coupe, 1370 mm (53.9 in) for Convertible.

Curb Weight:

Varies by engine and body style, roughly 1450 kg to 1750 kg (3197 lbs to 3858 lbs).

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rating:

Specific ratings vary by model year and testing methodology, but generally considered to have robust safety features for its era.

Active Safety Systems:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) often standard on V6/V8 models and optional on 4-cylinders.

Passive Safety Features:

Front airbags, side airbags (often optional), seatbelt pretensioners, crumple zones, reinforced safety cage, rollover protection (for convertible).

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

Becker Grand Prix/Special or Audio 10/20/30 series with features like AM/FM radio, CD player, cassette deck, optional navigation (APS).

Speaker Systems:

Standard 6-speaker or optional Bose sound system.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control, potentially adaptive cruise control (Distronic) on later or higher-spec models, though less common for this generation.

Parking Assistance:

Parking Assist (Parktronic) became available in later models.

Phone Integration:

Optional hands-free communication system (GSM or D-Net compatibility) via Mercedes-Benz integrated phone modules.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 to 15,000 miles (15,000 to 25,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions and specific model year, as indicated by the 'Service A' or 'Service B' indicators.

Major Service Intervals:

Major services (e.g., spark plug replacement, transmission fluid service, coolant flush) generally occur at 60,000 to 100,000 mile intervals, as detailed in the manual.

Engine Oil Specification:

API SL/SM or MB-Approval 229.1, 229.3, or 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40, Castrol Syntec 5W-40). Consult manual for specific engine.

Coolant Specification:

MB-Approval 325.0 or 326.0 (Glysantin G05 or similar HOAT coolant).

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 4 (or DOT 4 Plus for systems requiring it).

Common Problems:

Mass airflow sensor (MAF) issues, ignition coil failure, blower motor resistor failure, 'pixelation' on the instrument cluster display, sunroof drain blockages leading to water ingress, E-Class transmission conductor plate issues (if applicable models shared components), W202/W208 specific 'biodegradable' wiring harness degradation (older models).

Preventative Measures:

Regularly clean sunroof drains, inspect wiring harness for degradation, ensure proper cooling system maintenance.

📚 Vehicle History

Mercedes Benz Legacy:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering excellence, safety, and durability since its inception.

W208 Introduction:

Introduced in 1997 as the successor to the W202-based C200 Coupe (C124 was the prior generation). The CLK nameplate signifies the 'Coupe Leicht Komfortabel' (Coupe Lightweight Comfortable).

Updates:

Facelifted in 2000, bringing updated styling, new engine options (including the M112 V6 and M113 V8), and improved interior features. Production ended in 2003 for the Coupe and 2003 for the Convertible.

Production Period:

1997 - 2003

Assembly Locations:

Mainly produced at the Bremen plant in Germany.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Model Era Accolades:

While specific major awards for the W208 generation itself are not prominently cited in general automotive history, the CLK line was generally praised for its styling, comfort, and build quality, often receiving positive reviews from automotive publications of its time.